Children 0 – 5 years old must be restrained in a car seat. Children 5 – 16 years old must be restrained in a seat belt. However, the law does not protect your child… seat belts are designed to fit adults. Children should be restrained in some type of seat, whether it is a five-point harness or a belt positioning booster, until they fit the seat belt like an adult. The general guideline is 4’9” tall and 80 – 100 pounds.

When can my child sit in the front seat?

When properly restrained, children are safest in the backseat of a vehicle. Using a lap and shoulder belt, the center, rear position is the safest since there is more vehicle surrounding the child on every side. Children are particularly vulnerable to the explosive impact of an air bag. Please keep your children in the backseat until they are at least 13 years old.

What should I do if my child won’t stay in her/his car seat or seat belt?

Children do not know what is best for them, make it clear they will not be allowed to travel anywhere until they are properly restrained and must remain so for the entire time traveling. Pull to the side of the road and stop if they unlatch themselves. Set a good example by always buckling up the moment you get in the car.